Music Box

Mediumwood and metal

Dimensions16 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 8 inches

ClassificationsMusical Instruments

Credit LineGift of Donald E. Larew to the Farm House Museum. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2011.427

Status

Not on view

Collections

Household objects, Musical instruments and Tools

Label TextThis music box is unique among the Farm House Museum collection. It is a prime example of the many little additions that could be integrated into the standard cylinder type music box. This box has three bells that play in tandem with the cylinder proper and create a deeper musical experience. There could be all manner of extras attached to music boxes of this sort, from bells and small percussion drums, to individual violin strings. That makes this particular music box the distant cousin of the player pianos of the 1920s. Forty-three teeth give this box a larger range than would be normal for a box this size. It has a good bright volume and decent range due to its smaller brass base plate. To operate, one pulls back the crank lever on the left of the cylinder and moves the selector lever to “PLAY” on the right of the box. The cylinder pins strike the comb, as well as actuating the small bell hammers. The music box plays 8 airs: Little Annie Rooney; Mikado Valse - Baccalosse; Hush! The Bogies, Lutz; Killaloe Long, Martin; Sister Mary Walked Like That, Long; Ask a Policeman, Durandeau; Funiculi, Funicula; and Do Ra Mi Fa, Loya. The case for this box is in better shape than most. It is solidly constructed from its feet to its lid with no cracks and only minimal scuffing on its faces. The inlay is intact with only a small portion on the lid beginning to bow. The top paintwork is completely gone, perhaps due to decay and flaking of the colors. Only small traces of what was once an intricate floral pattern now remain.